KRISTV: Council may remove fingerprint rule from ride sharing ordinance

According to this KRIS 6 News report, there are ‘rumblings’ that some members of city council are considering changing the ordinance that forced Uber and Lyft to leave Corpus Christi. This seems like great news.

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Council may remove fingerprint rule from ride sharing ordinance

By Andrew Ellison

There are rumblings City Council may remove the fingerprinting requirement from the ordinance it passed on March 8. It would mean ride share drivers would not have be fingerprinted, but the city would be able to audit the background checks conducted by their companies.

“It’s my understanding that it is the deal killer with Uber. Uber does not want the fingerprint,” said Michael McCauley, an attorney and a spokesman for the group of petitioners asking City Council to change the ordinance.

Swapping the fingerprint requirement for auditing power is good enough for them, he says.

“When somebody comes into town and they can’t use Uber or Lyft, they’re probably going to think less of our city,” said McCauley.

College Station utilizes a similar concept of auditing background checks in its ride sharing ordinance. The city also doesn’t require fingerprinting.

Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn said she is open to the change.

“I definitely want them to stay,” said Vaughan. “I’m very hopeful. On my part, I’m open to it, and so I’m hopeful the other council members are going to hear it as well, and be positive about it.”

Any proposed change to the ordinance will likely be discussed at the next council meeting on March 28.

KRIS 6 News reached out to Uber and Lyft for comment, but they have not yet responded. Both companies have previously singled out fingerprinting as a big issue.